Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act

H.R.2517, S.1102

The Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act entitles federal employees and their domestic partners to all benefits and obligations of married federal employees and their spouses. Such benefits include federal health insurance and enhanced dental and vision benefits, retirement and disability benefits, family, medical, and emergency leave, group life insurance, long-term care insurance, compensation for work injuries, and benefits for disability, death, or captivity. The obligations mentioned include the requirement to declare to the government when one has entered into or broken up a domestic partnership. The bill has widespread bipartisan support, as well as the support of the president, and we believe it is a small but important step towards the equality of LGBT Americans in the eyes of our government. Thus, we support this measure fully.